Current Affairs - International

India recently held the 2+2 Intersessional Dialogue with the United States to review and enhance their strategic partnership. This dialogue serves as a mid-cycle review of the broader 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue, which was first launched between India and the US in 2018. The meeting focused on boosting defence production, trade, and energy security while reinforcing cooperation under the US-India COMPACT framework. Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific, working closely through the Quad along with Japan and Australia. The initiative is particularly significant as India prepares to host the 2025 Quad Leaders Summit.

India and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thimphu to enhance cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors, reflecting their strong bilateral ties. The agreement was signed by Devesh Chaturvedi, Secretary of India’s Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, and Thinley Namgyel, Secretary of Bhutan’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. Key areas of collaboration include agricultural research, livestock health, post-harvest management, food processing, and climate-resilient practices. A Joint Technical Working Group (JTWG) was also formed to oversee implementation and ensure timely results. This MoU strengthens food security, rural development, and South-South cooperation between India and Bhutan.

South Korea has enacted a new law that prohibits the use of mobile phones in classrooms beginning in March 2026. The measure is designed to address rising concerns over youth social media addiction and its negative impact on academic performance and mental well being. With nearly all citizens connected digitally, the country faces increasing challenges related to overexposure among students, including anxiety and sleep disruption. By formalising previously informal rules at a national level, the legislation applies across primary, middle, and high schools, with exceptions only for students with disabilities or educational purposes, marking a major step toward healthier learning environments.

The Super Garuda Shield is a major military exercise jointly conducted by the United States and Indonesia. It originated in 2007 as a bilateral drill between the two nations’ armies and later expanded into a multinational exercise in 2022, involving numerous Indo-Pacific allies such as Japan, Australia, Singapore, and several others. The 2025 edition is described as the largest ever, highlighting Indonesia’s central role in organizing and hosting the exercise alongside the U.S. This collaboration demonstrates Indonesia’s strategic significance in regional security and its growing involvement in multinational defence cooperation.

Oman has announced its ambitious plan to attract one million Indian tourists annually, building on the 700,000 visitors from India in 2024. This initiative highlights the nation’s strategy to strengthen cultural and economic ties with India while diversifying its economy beyond oil revenues under Vision 2040. Recognising India as a priority market, Oman is focusing on high-value tourism segments such as luxury travel, destination weddings, MICE events, and adventure tourism. To support this, Oman has improved visa policies, enhanced air connectivity with major Indian cities, and launched promotional campaigns like ‘Focus Oman,’ showcasing its natural landscapes and cultural heritage.